A Metro East boy is being hailed a hometown hero when he dialed 911 only days after receiving training by 911 dispatchers.

Holden Fornie attended a youth police academy put on by Millstadt police. The goal of the academy is to teach kids ages 9-12 first responder skills. Fornie was in the academy for 12 years. This year, the group visited the dispatch center.

Three days after the visit, Holden was in the middle of a 911 call. The academy played softball to end the week-long program when one kid was hit in the head with a bat.

“He just dropped immediately and we just saw the blood coming out and I knew to spring into action, so I took off my shirt and I knew because I watch a lot of medical shows to stop the bleeding,” said Fornie.

St. Clair County 911 recognized Fornie Wednesday for his courageous and fast-thinking action.

Scott Heatherly, 50, of Arnold, is charged with second-degree assault and first and second-degree property damage. Arnold Police say the charges stem from an assault which appears to have been brought on by road rage Friday night and was caught on surveillance camera.

Scott Heatherly, 50, of Arnold, is charged with second-degree assault and first and second-degree property damage. Arnold Police say the charges stem from an assault which appears to have been brought on by road rage Friday night and was caught on surveillance camera.